Nathan Ake has no regrets over a failed Chelsea return this summer. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Nathan Ake was one of the options Thomas Tuchel had in mind for Chelsea’s defence. But the transfer failed to materialise and the Dutch national stays at Manchester City for now.
The Blues were interested in bringing the versatile defender to Stamford Bridge, but the Cityzens’ asking price proved to be too much for them. Chelsea are now looking at other options for the centre-back role.
Ake, who has previously played for the Blues, made his thoughts known about the breaking down of negotiations for a move back to Chelsea. Speaking via the Mirror, the 27-year-old revealed he’s focused on City now.
“I’m very happy to be at the club and 100 percent focussed. I will try to improve and make sure I get minutes, but my focus was not affected by the talk of a move.”
The Blues have been in search of a centre-back for a while now after the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers. There’s a shortage of experienced defenders in the team at the moment.
Chelsea have gone out and signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli. The Senegalese has been one of the best centre-backs in Serie A and now comes to the Premier League to showcase his abilities.
With talks around Ake moving to Stamford Bridge simmering down, the Dutch national is looking forward to the challenge of getting into the strong City side with the World Cup in Qatar nearing.
“Getting into the team has been the challenge since I’ve been here. We’ve got a very good squad so I’ll play anywhere.
“It’s going to be a long season and I just want to be ready. Everyone wants to play, especially with the World Cup coming up.”
The Blues now have to shift focus to other targets to be able to fill the hole in the squad. There’s speculation of Cesar Azpilicueta moving on as well. The Spaniard is another option at centre-back we might lose.
Thiago Silva has been one of our best defenders since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain, but he turns 38 in September. Trevoh Chalobah and Malang Sarr are young but still inexperienced.
Ake’s arrival would’ve given Tuchel the option to choose a centre-back who’s been in the Premier League for many years now. Going into next season, it’s vital that we bring in additional defenders to be able to play the way the gaffer wants.
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